Frequently Asked Questions 

Q. What is the Alert Video Security System?

A. The Alert Video Security System uses a technology called Home Plug technology that uses A-C wiring in a home or office to transmit the camera signals to the USB adapter that is plugged in near and connected to your PC. You plug the cameras into any electrical outlet within a 10,000 sq ft range of the PC and the cameras use your electrical wiring to stay powered and to communicate with the PC software. There is no additional wiring needed to set up the system and it does not use 802.11 wireless signals. Therefore, cordless phones and your home/office network will not interfere with the system.

Smart Security Cameras
Each system can support up to six Alert cameras any combination of indoor or outdoor. Each Alert camera has a 400 MHz processor inside that lets the camera do most of the work so your PC doesn't have to. The cameras encode the video stream using a Windows Video encoder. The cameras stream the compressed video to your PC in VGA(960x720) resolution. The cameras also process the images to detect motion and let the software know when there is motion so the software can create wmv files only when there is motion. The smart cameras also process the lighting in the images and have an auto brightness setting for better results in extreme lighting conditions. Additionally all recorded video is stored on the cameras SD card for quick retrieval in the event  the recording program is not running.

Powerful PC Software
The Alert command center software installs on a PC and automatically stores wmv files on your hard drive when the cameras detect motion. The software also organizes the files and manages your video storage space. During setup you choose how much of your hard drive you want to allocate for video files. When your video files fill up the allocated space the software automatically removes the oldest files to make room for new recordings.

The software uses minimal resources and can be hidden in your task tray so you can use your PC as normal. To continue recording video your PC must remain on but you can turn your monitor off and the system will continue to work.

The software has a user-friendly interface when you want to monitor your cameras or playback past video clips from any or all of your cameras. The software makes it easy to save video clips and still frame images (jpg, gif, png, tiff, etc.) to your desktop. When you enter your e-mail smtp or e-mail them to friends, family or local law enforcement. You can also easily grab still frames and save them as image files or e-mail the frame within the software.  The system can easily be configured to automatically send you an e-mail or cell phone alert with a video clip or still frame when motion is detected.

Free Remote Viewing
If your PC has a broadband Internet connection, you can view the live video remotely from another windows-enabled Internet device - PC, cell phone, or PDA. There are no monthly fees for basic live remote viewing. If you have more than one location with Alert installed you can view all your locations from one secure online.Alert.com account.

Q. How long does it take to setup the Alert surveillance system

A. Setup takes as little as 5 minutes. If you can insert a disc into your computer and plug in a lamp you can install this system 

Q. Why is Alert the perfect system for a small business?

A. A professional surveillance system with all the features provided by Alert will cost thousands of dollars more. They may also require a monthly access fee to view your cameras remotely.  Alert is the best system on the market for small businesses.

Q. What are the Alert system requirements?

A. Windows based PC with XP (Service Pack 3), Vista, or Windows 7 Operating System  // Minimum 1GB Ram // 2 GHz or Faster Processor // Available Ethernet Port on Router // High Speed Internet Connection (No Satellite or Dial Up) // Remote Viewing via the Internet can be done from anywhere on a pc with Adobe Flash Player 10 or Intel based Mac // Remote Viewing also on compatible Smart Phones, Iphone, IPod, Android, Blackberry, etc...

Q. How much hard disk space is required for video storage on my PC?

A. The system requirements state the minimum storage space is 500 MB. We recommend you allocate at least 20 GB of hard disk space. Alert's software is designed to intelligently record motion events, reducing the space necessary to maintain an archive.

A typical single camera system using motion detection will require between 3 and 6 GB of disk space for well over a month of recording. This depends, of course, on how much motion your cameras are seeing. You may wish to allocate more space if you have lots of motion, or if you wish to retain your video for a longer period before the disk space is recycled for new video.

Q. Is the Alert system compatible with Mac?

A. No // But why pass on this fantastic system when all you have to do is buy a refurbished PC from your local repair shop. Typically $250 - $275 (SecuritySystems.com has a source for refurbished computers. Contact them. )

Q. How many cameras can I install with my system?

A. Alert supports up to six Home Plug based cameras, Any Combination of Cameras (inside/outside).
Currently the only way to install more than six cameras is to install systems on more than one computer. You can however remotely access at the same time multiple cameras on two or more systems.

Q. How much does a typical system cost?

A. Inside master kit @ $299.99 // Inside add on cameras @ $229.99 // Outside master kit @ $349.99 // Outside add on cameras @ $279.99

Q. What comes in a starter kit and what are the set up steps?

A. Inside Starter kit consists of ONE Inside camera, installation disc (software to be loaded on your pc) power supply, bridge unit and two Ethernet cables. The Outside kit is the same but includes ONE outside camera. // 1. Take out the disc and insert it into your computer. It installs the Alert Commander program. 2. Plug in the bridge unit within 10ft of your computer.(this picks up the video that is sent over the EXISTING electric wires in your home or business) 3.Using one of the Ethernet cables, connect one end to the bridge and the other end to your router. 4. Take a nap as these exhausting steps will wear you out. :>) 5. Choose the location of your camera and connect the 2^nd Ethernet cable to it. 6. Plug in the power supply for this camera and connect the other end of the Ethernet cable to it. 7. Take another nap as this took another minute. By the way, you’re finished "installing" your surveillance system. 8. Back at your computer monitor you will see the field of view for the camera you just installed. ANYONE CAN DO THIS!  Next after you catch your breath from all this labor intensive work go into the program and designate where any recorded video will be stored on your computer, I.e., a folder in your documents named "home cameras". 9. Create a user name and password at http://Alert.Logitech.com   so you can have remote access to your camera(s).  Now turn off your computer or take your lap top with you and hop a flight to the other side of the planet. Find an internet connection, log on and voila, you can watch one or all of your cameras in live time. If you’ve chosen to enable the audio you can also listen in.

Q. Are these cameras wireless?

A.  Yes and No. Typically wireless technology relates to radio frequency signals. These types of cameras are transmitting images through the air to be picked up by a receiver and then transferred to a recording device such as a DVR or computer (2.4GHz). Common with radio frequency cameras are scratchy, blurred, and missing transmissions. Worse still radio frequency video can be picked up by anyone up to a quarter of a mile away. Alert cameras DO NOT transfer video via radio frequency. They are wireless in the aspect that you are not running or installing new wires to complete the connection between the camera and your computer. Alert wireless technology is known in engineering circles as line carrier transmissions. Your captured video is digitally compressed, attached to your existing electrical wiring, and carried to your computer in a nano second. This technology makes it virtually impossible for your video to be intercepted by anyone. It also guarantees your video to be HD crystal clear.

Q. When do the cameras record video?

A. The cameras are motion activated and record only when they pick up motion within a wide 130 degree field of view. What is really neat is you can actually dictate when the cameras will actually record. For instance an inside camera in a window might have the front steps, the walkway and the entire street in its field of view. You may decide however it makes no sense to have video files of traffic going by your home, so you choose the area in the field of view that will actually trigger the recording. You may for instance choose to trigger a recording only when somebody actually enters your walkway or property. If you’re logged on and watching in live time you will still see everything as far as the eye can see but there will be no recordings unless motion took place in the designated area of the field of view.

Q. Do the cameras record in color?

A. Yes. The outside camera when recording at night reverts to black and white which is typical of any IR camera.

Q. Does the inside camera record in the dark?

A. No. It is however rated at 1 lux (Basically with regular average indoor lighting conditions you will have great video).

Q. Do the cameras record audio?

A. YES  they have this OPTION. You decide whether to enable the audio feature on any or all of the cameras

Q. Can I listen to the audio from a remote location while viewing my cameras?

A. Yes.

Q. Does my computer need to be running for the system to work?

A. NO Once the cameras are installed the computer DOES NOT NEED TO BE ON for them to record.  All the motion activated video is stored on the on-board Micro SD card inside the camera.  When the computer is turned on and the alert commander program is opened all these recorded videos will now populate into your computer’s hard drive in the Folder where you have previously designated. You can now play them, save them or delete them

Q. Does this mean if I’ve installed the software on my laptop I can then take it with me?

A. YES Once you’ve installed and set up your system you can remove your laptop. When you return and reconnect it to your router via a wireless connection or an Ethernet cable all the recorded video will then stream into your laptop. Again, you would’ve already designated where it will be stored.

Q. What size SD card is supplied with each camera and how much video will it hold?

A. Every Alert camera comes with a 2GB Micro SD Card. Storage can vary as it is subject to the amount of light, color and size of objects being recorded. The average should be around 2.45 – 3 hrs of video. Keep in mind the camera will only record when there is motion. In the software you can dictate exactly what areas in the actual field of view will trigger the recording.  In this way the camera can be set  to not  record the grass growing or traffic driving by.

Q. What happens when the SD card is full?

A. The camera will continue to record and will now "loop" or record over the oldest video. This is also called "continuous recording". When you log in remotely and watch your cameras you are watching in live time everything that is in the field of view. When you return home and turn on the computer and the Alert Commander program all the video that was recorded will stream into your folder.

Q. Will the cameras accept larger SD cards?

A. YES.  You can install a 4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB Micro SD Card.  Based on the storage formula for a 2GB SD card you can extrapolate what size SD card you might need.

Q. Can I access the videos stored on the SD cards remotely?

A. With the basic free remote viewing built into the Alert Commander program you can only access the live feed of each camera and not what has already been recorded.  However with the upgraded Mobile Commander program you can watch previous recordings. This is done by remotely accessing the program and does require that your computer be left on. To be clear you can not access past recordings stored on the SD cards until they have been streamed into your computer’s hard drive once the Alert Commander program is opened.  To learn more about the Web Commander visit: http://www.securitysystems.com/LogitechAlertUpgrade.htm 

Q. You’ve mentioned the set up of this system is a piece of cake and anyone can do it. Is there any support if I need it?

A. YES.  Logitech has many trained tech support staff that are ready to take your calls 7 days a week. They have patience and will NOT rush you off the phone. Logitech is committed to offering the highest level of assistance should  you have any questions.  888-469-4543

Q. Before I purchase is it possible to view some cameras in live time from my computer?

A. YES.  SecuritySystems.com is committed to answering all your questions.  This includes allowing you to watch OUR cameras in live time from your computer. Because access to these cameras is password protected you would need to call or e-mail us to make these arrangements.  888-292-4455   OR info@SecuritySystems.com 

Q. I am considering using this system for a "nanny cam" system or to watch my baby sitter while I’m out. Do you have any suggestions.

A. YES.  We are very experienced in this field and have some very strong opinions and suggestions.
Please visit:   http://www.securitysystems.com/LogitechAlertNannyInfo.htm

Q. If the cameras record with the computer off then what is the function of the Alert Commander program.

A. When the program is opened all the stored video on the SD cards inside the cameras will flow into your computer to the designated storage area you chose. If you return after more than one day it will create a separate folder for each day.  Each camera will also have its OWN folder for easy access. The Alert Commander program is used to set up your cameras, set the chosen areas in the field of view where actual motion will trigger a recording, set the motion sensitivity, enable or disable the audio on each camera as well as the audio sensitivity level. You can also change the field of view in four directions as well as zooming me and out. Once you are happy with the view this is what you will see remotely when you log on from another location. This is called digital pan tilt and zoom. It affects the image through the software. You are not mechanically controlling the cameras. The Commander program also is used for your e-mail alerts and setting up your cameras to watch live time via your Iphone or any web enabled hand held device.

Q. In addition to free remote viewing with the Alert Commander program what are the other basic features and what is available with the upgrade program called; Web Mobile commander?

A. The best answer to this is to simply visit: http://www.securitysystems.com/LogitechAlertUpgrade.htm

Q. What are the computer requirements at the location of the cameras as well as the camera specs/dimensions?

A. The best answer to this is to simply visit: http://www.securitysystems.com/LogitechAlertSpecs.htm

Q. What is Remote Viewing?

A. Alert provides a simple and secure way for you to view your cameras live from anywhere in the world. Any other company will charge you monthly for such a service but Alert offers this free of charge. Simply create an online account at  onlineAlert.com and connect to your account from the Alert Command Center Software and you can then log into your account from any web browser including your cell phone or PDA and view your cameras live from any high speed internet connection in the world.  Remote viewing requires high speed connections at both the on-site computer as well as the remote location.  Dial-up or Satellite connection will not allow remote viewing.

Alert also offers a upgraded software program called Web Mobile Commander whereby you can program your system to send video alerts to any web enabled phone and most importantly be able to access past history from a remote location (this is great for a business owner who does not care to watch in live time but would rather check out what took place at his business at the end of his day). This program has an annual fee of $79.95.

Q. If I’ve taken my laptop with me or my computer is not on at the location of the cameras can I still log on anywhere and view all my cameras in live time.

A. YES  Regardless if your computer is on or you’ve taken it with you, as long as the cameras are plugged in you can log on anywhere in the WORLD with a high speed internet connection and view in live time exactly what is going on.  If you have six cameras running you can access all of them. If you’ve chosen to enable the audio you can also listen in.  Take your laptop to lunch, find a wireless hot spot, log on and watch and listen in to all your cameras in live time.

Q. Is an internet connection necessary for this system to work?  Or can I install the cameras at a location with NO internet connection?

(This would be the perfect solution for private investigators setting up surveillance in covert operations or adult children that want to have surveillance at their aged parents home and in both scenarios there is no internet or computer)

A. YES  Regardless if your computer is on or you’ve taken it with you, as long as the cameras are plugged in you can log on anywhere in the WORLD with a high speed internet connection and view in live time exactly what is going on.  If you have six cameras running you can access all of them. If you’ve chosen to enable the audio you can also listen in.  Take your laptop to lunch, find a wireless hot spot, log on and watch and listen in to all your cameras in live time.

A. The internet DOES NOT have to be present at any location that you want to install the cameras. The internet is ONLY necessary if you want to have remote access to watch your cameras or access the recorded files. You would however need to take a laptop or pc to the location, run the software and then install your cameras. The final Ethernet cable that would normally connect to the internet router would now connect directly to the computer you are working with. You then can program the cameras, set the designated motion coverage and decide if you also want to record audio.  Once you’ve set up the cameras you can take the computer and leave only the cameras.  They will now record video and audio (if enabled) to the on-board Micro SD card.  To retrieve any recorded video you would then revisit the location and either remove the micro SD card (replacing it with another) or power up the computer you had originally installed the program on, connect the receiver (the component normally left at a location with internet) and the Ethernet cable directly to your laptop, boot the alert program and now "draw" all the recorded files from the SD card into your hard drive. For covert operations the INSIDE CAMERA could be hidden inside a false plant or between books. The red power light can also be disabled so as to not draw any attention.  Any movement in the field of view would now trigger the camera to silently record the activity and audio if enabled.  An outside camera could be used inside and installed high enough so as not to be easily tampered with. The outside camera whether used inside or out will record in dark with its infra red capabilities. The presence of the camera is also a deterrent.

Q. Can more than one person remotely view all the cameras at the same time?

A. Yes

Q. How secure is remote viewing?

A. The remotely-viewed video stream is password-protected on our server which you log onto on our Web site to remotely view your cameras.

Q. What is the field of view for cameras?

A. Each camera comes with a supa 130 degree field of view lens (Most surveillance cameras are 60 to 80). In optimal lighting objects are visible as far as the camera can see. Basically if you can see it so can the camera... Please see our sample videos to get an idea of the image quality and view.

Q. How far can the cameras see clearly?

A. In optimal lighting the cameras have no limit. They can see as far as you can see. An inside cameras placed in a window can see hundreds of feet. Please see our sample videos to get an idea of the image quality and field of view.

 Q. How far away from the PC can I place my cameras?

A. For best performance the Alert system works best in buildings under 8,000-10,000 sq ft. or on a single electrical run 1,000 linear ft.

The actual distance is dependant on the AC wiring architecture, including whether all circuits serving the system are served by a common meter(required) and the same breaker box (highly desirable).

Q. Can the Alert system support more than six cameras?

A. Alert supports up to six Home Plug based cameras. Currently the only way to install more than six cameras is to install systems on more than one computer. Remotely you can access multiple systems at the same time.

Q. Do the Alert cameras operate off of batteries?

A. Alert cameras will not function on battery power. The Alert Cameras are designed to be powered by the A-C power line and send their digitized, compressed video signals back to the PC via the same A-C power line.

Other so-called "Wireless cameras" still need a source of A-C power to operate, and a very complex setup in a network environment. The Alert system was designed with ease of setup and ease of operation in mind.

Q. Do the Alert cameras operate in a power outage?

A. No. The electricity has to be on in order to transfer the image. If accessing past history from a remote location you should have a battery backup for your PC in the event of a power outage. Common battery backups will continue to provide power to your PC for up to 30 minutes.  It is possible to set up your PC so that when power is returned that your computer will reboot and return to the same state it was in before the power outage. This is accomplished by going to your BIOS Power Management and enabling the "AC Power Loss Restart" and "Previous State" settings. Not all BIOS have this feature and in some circumstances you may need to contact the manufacturer of your PC to assist you in enabling these settings.

 Q. Besides offering the most comprehensive information on the Alert system why should I purchase from SecuritySystems.com?

A.  SecuritySystems has been in the security and surveillance industry for over 30 years. We are not a "add to cart" website. You can call us and speak to professionals that know every aspect of surveillance to first determine if the alert system will suit your needs as well as any question you might have. We know the system from "top to bottom" and if we determine it is not suited for you or will not meet your expectations we'll flat out tell you not to purchase it. We also give you free access to view our cameras BEFORE YOU PURCHASE so you’ll understand exactly what your experience will be when accessing your own cameras from a remote location.

Lastly because we are Logitech’s largest on-line Alert vendor we can offer free shipping on every purchase and (while they last) give a free MP3 player ($49 value) with every purchase

Q. Are other cameras compatible with the Alert system?

A. No. The only cameras compatible are the ones offered with the Alert system (Inside and Outside camera).

Q. What are the dimensions of the cameras?

A. The Outside Camera:  Length 6 1/2 " /  Width  3 1/2 " /  Depth 1 3/4" /  WT 20 Oz.
     The Inside Camera:    Height 4 7/8" /   Width 2 3/4" /  Depth at lens 1 3/4" / WT 4.3 Oz

Q. How long are the camera cords?

A. The Indoor Camera has two 10 ft Ethernet cables, one from the camera to the power supply and the other from the bridge receiver to your router. The Outdoor Camera has a 20 ft Ethernet cable in addition to the 10 ft. standard Ethernet cable.

Q. Are longer cords available?

A. Yes. Logitech has a 50 ft. cable at $19.99 and a 100 ft. cable at 39.99. Each master system comes with an accessory coupler in the event you want to combine cords.

Q. Can the cameras be connected to an extension cord?

A. Yes. We recommend you use a high grade extension cord and limit the length as much as possible.

Q. How secure is remote viewing?

A. The remotely-viewed video stream is password-protected on our server which you log onto on our Web site to remotely view your cameras.

Q. How does the line carrier transmission operate?

A. Line carrier transmission uses the existing electrical wiring at home, to form a network of communication. Simply imagine that the electrical wiring hidden in the walls work as the traditional Cat. 5 Ethernet cables used in traditional LANs.

Q. Will using the Alert cameras damage other home appliances or electronics?

A. No. The cameras transmit using very low voltages.

Q. How about wiring in older homes?

A. In some rare cases, old wiring may have faulty connections or have long wiring paths that may influence performance. The Logitech top tier support will recommend The ONLY way to know for sure is to try it. Purchase only a master system. You will know in 5-10 minutes if it will work. If it does not send it back for a refund.

Q. Is the network secure?

A. Yes. Line transmissions are secured with 56-bit DES encryption to secure the data during transmission.

Q. Should I connect any of the components of the Alert system to power strips or electrical surge protectors?

A. Do not ever do this. The cameras, power supplies, and receiving units all have built in surge protectors. Connecting them to power strips or surge protectors will only inhibit their performance.

Q. Will the line carrier transmission pass between homes or businesses?

A. No. The line carrier transmission signal will not pass between homes or businesses.

Q. Will the line carrier transmission pass through different power phases?

A. Yes, in some cases; however, testing has shown that the strength of the signal will suffer and ultimately be lost.

Q. Will the line carrier transmission travel between floors in a home or business?

A. Yes. You will be able to utilize any available electrical wiring and outlets on the same fuse box. Separate floors do not represent a problem for power line.

Q. How much electrical power does a camera consume?

A. So little as to not be noticed. The cameras require 18 volts. During startup the cameras boot up using approximately 120 milliamps and then run on 100 milliamps (100 milliamps = one tenth of an amp).  

Q. Is recording audio legal?

A. This is a very important question and before you enable the audio feature you may want to research this as the recording laws vary from state to state. In the scenario of presenting surveillance evidence you certainly do not want to find out YOU have broken the law. In most cases just the video without any audio is sufficient in accomplishing your surveillance goal.

Logitech and SecuritySystems.com strongly advises each user of the Alert system to carefully research the recording laws before enabling the audio feature on the cameras.  Logitech and SecuritySystems.com are not liable or bear any responsibility for the illegal recording of audio while using the Alert cameras

Q. Are surveillance cameras legal?

A. Surveillance cameras are everywhere from shopping malls, government buildings, schools, public streets/highways, convenience stores and just about any possible work environment. Sometimes they are very obvious and sometimes they are hidden or covert. Some establishments have signs indicating the presence of cameras while others do not.  You can install surveillance cameras on the outside of your home even though your neighbor may not like it. You can even install hidden cameras (alert cameras are not covert) to determine which employee might be stealing.  In general cameras are not allowed in areas where a person has a reasonable sense of privacy such as a change booth in a clothing store or a bathroom. A nanny or babysitter working in your home does not need to be informed that you have a surveillance system although we think in the long run it’s better to let them know. In general if in doubt seek legal advice.